Italy slowly eases lockdown restrictions after two months of closure

Published on : Tuesday, May 5, 2020

After observing strict lockdown measures for nearly two consecutive months, Italy has finally decided to ease lockdown restrictions. One of the worst affected countries in the world, the virus has claimed around 29,000 lives in Italy so far. The country is considered to report the third-highest number of positive COVID-19 cases across the globe.

However, after constant days of struggles, the situation in Italy has slowly started to come under control. On Monday, the country allowed approximately 4.5 million people to return to work. It is slowly starting to re-open while easing lockdown restrictions and embracing the new normal that involves adhering to strict social distancing measures.

Public transports have been allowed to operate. Factories and construction sites have been asked to open their doors to workers. But every individual has been strictly asked to wear masks and use gloves. Factories have started using temperature checks and social distancing indicators have been placed inside work buildings.

According to reports, the traffic in downtown Rome has slowly started to gather the pace. Buses and trains are also being seen. Railways stations in Milan are using red circles to maintain one-meter distance between passengers and have also established a one-seat gap. The military has been deployed on the streets and has been allowed to enforce stringent safety measures.

Restaurants across the country have re-opened but only takeaway service is allowed. Governor Ron DeSantis has informed that restaurants and retail shops in Florida would be functional with only 25% capacity. Parks have also been granted permission to open. Citizens are allowed to access parks for running, jogging, and other sports activities. Flower vendors have returned to the Campo Dei Fiori market after being closed down back on March 11.

Italians are also allowed to visit family members and close ones in the same region but any form of social gathering continues to be banned. Citizens have also been given permission to attend funeral services keeping the number restricted to 15. However, religious masses and weddings are yet to be given permission to function.

Additional businesses like bars, ice-cream parlors, and salons would not be allowed to open before at least another month. It can be expected to re-open around June 1, only if the coronavirus situation in the country shows a decreasing graph and remains under control. Schools and colleges too will remain closed for a similar period of time.

Other businesses like– bars, ice-cream parlors, salons will have to wait another month before they can welcome customers. Schools and colleges will also remain closed for the same period of time.